In Reach and Out Reach Training

It is generally envisaged that around a minimum of 20 cases will be required to reach a level of competence. This may vary in either direction depending on the skill and experience of the individual. A Global Assessment Score (GAS) form of assessment of competence has been incorporated into the NTP to provide surgeons in the programme a means of objectively determining that their training has been assessed and recorded by their NTP trainer.

Training takes place normally through a combination of both "in reach" and "out reach" training, with a slight variation of "in reach" for trainees registered with Kings`, Guys & St Thomas` and Guildford as detailed below:

1.In ReachIn reach preceptoring involves consultant trainees operating in the trainers hospital with an honorary contract under the direct supervision of the trainer. The trainee attends the trainers hospital to perform a case with a patient from the trainers trust. This model of training is availalable at 10 Training Centres which are Newcastle, Bradford, Hull, Nottingham, Oxford, St Marks/Colchester/Guildford, Portsmouth, Basingstoke/Frimley Park, South West, & North West.

2.In Reach with Travelling Patient
There are two training centres which are Kings, Guys & St Thomas` and Guildford who require their trainees patient from their hospital to travel to the trainers hospital where they will be operated on. In this case the tariff to fund the patient’s procedure and care will travel with the patient to the Training centre. Follow up of patients will return to the responsibility of the trainee after discharge.

Approximately 65% of all NTP Training sessions are carried out on an in reach basis.

3.Out Reach
The trainer attends the trainees hospital base, the trainee performs a case in their own theatre on their own patient. Available at 10 Training Centres which are Newcastle, Bradford, Hull, Nottingham, Oxford, St Marks/Colchester/Guildford, Portsmouth, Basingstoke/Frimley Park, South West, & North West. An Honorary Contract is required to be in place for the visiting Trainer. Approximately 35% of all NTP Training sessions are carried out on an out reach basis.

Both the trainee and trainer will be required to have respective honorary contracts and occupational health clearance in place for in reach, and out reach sessions. Trainees/Trainers/Training Centre Managers are required to schedule a timetable of training cases to ensure where possible that there are performed over a short period of time to ensure rapid ascent up the learning curve. The NTP funds the trainers trust for both in reach, and outreach cases including travelling expenses